UN warns housing crisis could fuel far right rise in Europe.

Europe’s housing crisis is now threatening to become a potent force propelling the rise of far-right political factions, according to a dire warning issued by the United Nations’ expert on housing. The continent is grappling with unaffordable rents and soaring property prices, creating a breeding ground for far-right support. With European parliament elections looming, far-right parties are poised to secure top positions in multiple EU member states, placing the spotlight on the urgent need to address the housing crisis.

The UN’s special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, highlighted the risk of far-right and populist parties exploiting the social divides exacerbated by the housing crisis. In an interview with The Guardian, Rajagopal stressed the importance of nation states taking swift action to rectify the housing crisis before it escalates further.

The shortage of affordable housing has triggered protests in major European cities such as Lisbon, Amsterdam, Prague, and Milan. Even outside the EU, London has witnessed demonstrations as young people struggle with rents consuming a large portion of their incomes. The issue has become a significant concern for voters, with the far-right Freedom Party in the Netherlands and Portugal’s Chega party capitalising on the discontent surrounding housing conditions.

Statistics from Eurostat reveal alarming trends, showing a 47% surge in house prices and an 18% increase in rents across the EU between 2010 and 2022. With more than a fifth of households spending a substantial portion of their income on accommodation, the housing crisis is no longer limited to lower-income groups but has engulfed the middle class as well.

Research has demonstrated a clear correlation between rising rents and the support garnered by far-right parties, irrespective of their anti-immigration stance. The fear of financial instability and the prospect of losing one’s home due to unaffordability contribute significantly to the rising wave of radical-right support.

Mr Rajagopal, after investigating the Dutch housing crisis, emphasised the urgency for mainstream parties to recognise housing as a legal human right, calling for tangible measures to ensure affordable, adequate, and secure housing for all citizens. He criticised the prevailing attitude of viewing housing as a mere commodity, advocating for a return to robust state planning to address the housing shortage effectively.

The key to combating the rise of far-right ideologies lies in addressing fundamental issues like housing rights and social protection. By prioritising affordable housing as a basic necessity rather than a market commodity, Europe can potentially stem the tide of far-right movements exploiting social disparities.

As the housing crisis continues to escalate, European nations must confront the root causes of unaffordability and housing insecurity to safeguard their democratic values and prevent the far-right from capitalising on discontent among citizens.